The Original Hobo Nickel Society has just published its Hobo Nickel Guidebook authored by Stephen P. Alpert, which presents an up to date guide to hobo nickels and their values. Both classic old hobo nickels and modern creations are presented, with information on how to tell them apart. Over 700 enlarged photographs of hobo nickels are illustrated in the 126 page spiral-wire-bound book.

The purpose, methods of creation, and the components of hobo nickels are discussed. The most common type of hobo nickel is the standard design depicting a bearded man wearing a derby. Other subjects include ethnic figures, hatless men, soldiers, women, famous people, and altered buffaloes (changed into a man or a different animal). All these are discussed and illustrated in the book.

The OHNS Quality Designation scale for hobo nickels (Crude to Superior) is explained, and examples and general values for each are given, along with the factors affecting a hobo nickel’s desirability.

An Artist Gallery chapter covers dozens of old, nicknamed, and modern hobo nickel artists with examples of their work. And an Auction Photo Gallery illustrates hundreds of hobo nickels sold in past OHNS auctions, along with the hammer price of each. This is valuable information as the most desirable hobo nickels (both old and modern) sell for $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 apiece.

Other chapters cover cast fakes, hobo tokens, and other similarly altered coins, both U.S. and foreign.

The book retails for $30.00, plus $2.50 shipping (plus $2.48 sales tax in California). Add $2.00 for Priority Mail if desired. OHNS members save $5.00 ($28.00 postpaid, plus $2.06 tax in California). Membership in OHNS is $15.00 per year and includes the quarterly BoTales journal and annual auction catalogue… Membership Application FormClick for membership application form.

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